Container



E. A. LEMIRE Aug. 31, 1937,v

CONTAINER l Filed Deo. 7, 1936v JD E 25- INYENTO ATT RNEY Patentedv Aug. 31,l 1 937 UNITED STATE-s PATENT OFFICE Ernest Steiner,

New York, N. Y.

Application December "1, 1936, Serial No. 114,567

l 5 Claimsl The present invention relates to a flexible holder and particularly relates to a exible holder rwhich may be utilized for carrying various elongated objectsVsuch as cigarettes, cigars, pencils, 5 crayons, Vand so forth.

The 'present invention is particularly directed to a flexible carrier of the character above described, which carrier comprises a plurality of elongated elements which are held side by side by a tensioned coil spring. Each of the elongated elements, in itself or in combination with an adjacent element, forms a receptacle which may be designed to contain cigarettes, pencils and s o forth. 'I'he receptacle may be emptied or the contents removed therefrom by pivotally separating the elements against the tension of the spring.

It has been found desirable in making up containers of this character to avoid the utilization of elastic or rubber bands, and instead to utilize coil springs, the coils of which are substantially tightly wound with substantially no interval between the adjacentv coils, even when the spring is expanded to. engage or to extend through the in such a manner that it will be substantially completely concealed, with the ends of the spring of the container, as by glue or some other adhesive.

It is most desirable thatl a coil spring, when utilized, be insuiliciently tensioned even when the separated to rupture the adhesive connection of the coil spring to the end elements or so as to move the adjacent flexible container elements together, when released, with sumcient force to pinch or nip the lingers.

It has been found particularly difilcult to assure correct alignment of the various container elements inrespect to one another, when a spring of relatively light tension as above described, is

v ment may be most satisfactorily accomplished by providing a peripheral contact surface over the entire periphery of the container elements, which. contact surfaces should be accurately made so have'been provided, it has been found most satisfactory to enlarge the areas of contact at the ends being preferably embodied in the end elements adjacent container elements be substantially utilized, andY it has been found that this align- (Cl. 20G-41) holding springs to pass centrally through the tapered portions. -Y

Generally, to aid bending and separation of the adjacent elements Without undue istress on the spring, it has been found desirable to countersink or make'the bores through the ends of the longitudinal container elements somewhat enlarged toward their ends.

In assembling the' container, it has been found most convenient to first embed the springs in one of the end elements and then extend the `springs through the other elements. This may be accomplished by drawing but ythe spring sufficiently -from the last element, through which it has been inserted, to provide a projecting end and then to insert a holding plate between the adjacent coils of the springs. Then the next element is placed in position and the operation repeated. Also, if desired, .the spring may be drawn through all of the longitudinal container elements with the exception of the last, by a rod or tube on the end of which will be means to grasp the end of the spring. 'Ihen the spring may be drawn throughl I the elements and attached to the last element as previously described, after a holder plate or insert has been utilized.

In the drawing which illustrates several of the various possible embodiments of the invention by way of illustration, but not by way of limitati n, since many modications and changes may be made therein, alllwithin the scope of the present invention,

Fig. l is a side elevation, partly in section, of one form of the cigarette case, according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a transverse view upon the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, with several of the end sections bent away to indicate the manner of separating the container elements.

Fig. 3 is a sectioned enlargement of the upper. left-hand corner oi Fig. l more clearly showing 45 the' attachment of thespring and the method of forming the bores 'through which it passes.

Fig. 4 is a sectioned enlargement similar to Fig.

2 showing the separation of two compartments or container elements and the ejectionv of a cigarette or other object therefrom.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentarywtop perspective View of the case, as the containerelernentslare being assembled on the spring, indicating hovf this assembly may be accomplished.

Fig. 6 illustrates in fragmentary perspective view how the container principle of the present invention may be applied to a combined pencil and ruler case for school children.

Figs. 7 and 7a are small scale showings of alternative methods of forming the adjacent faces of the container elements,A so as to assure a more accurate alignment.

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic fragmentary showing of an alternative embodiment, in which each exible element constitutes a complete container in itself, closed off by the adjacent flexible element which serves as a cover.

Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate diagrammatically on a small scale the application of the principle of the present invention to containers or covers for containers respectively.

Fig. 11 is a view of the end of the spring, showing the manner in which it is deformed before connecting the end pieces of the container.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4, the container A is composed of a plurality of longitudinal container elements B, and with end sections C. The spiral spring element D holds the elements B and C together.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the elements B are provided with opposite pockets I0, the pockets of adjacent elements as indicated at E in Fig. 1 forming a suiiciently large container to receive an article F such as a cigarette or pencil.

Where the elements B are of Wood, the recesses II) may be formed by a gouge or chisel and where the elements B are of metal or plastic materials, these recesses may be formed by casting or molding the individual elements. An essential feature of the'present invention resides in the fact that there is a substantial abutting surface as indi-- cated at I2 in Figs. 2 and 4, between the sides of the elements B, and substantially larger surfaces' of abutment indicated at I3 as a triangular shape. 'I'he ends of the elements B taper as indicated at I4 in Fig. 5, which gives a greaterstability of alignment and enables automatic alignment of the elements B. The coil springD at its ends I5 is preferably embedded in the recesses I6 formed Y in the end elements C the spring being held by glue or adhesive.

The spring D should, be a closely wound coil f spring which should extend when in unstressed or untensioned condition about half theA length of the container at A in Fig. 1. `Even when the spring is extended as indicated at I1 in Fig. 2, and I8 in Fig. 4, the adjacent coils should not be substantially separated. By so arranging the spring and determining its strength and extension, it has been found that there will be a satisfactory closure of the container with close abutment of the adjacent container elements, without at the same time having such closure take place with sufficient force to cause pinching or nipping of the ngers.

It has also been found desirable tov form the passageway I1 through the ends of the elements B, so that they will diverge towards the ends of the passages as indicated at I8 in Fig. 3. ,In the middle of the passages the spring should'substantially contact or't closely against the walls thereof, as indicated at I9 in Fig. 3.

As indicated best in Figs. 1 and 5, the spring preferably passes through the area I3 substantially midway between the tapered end Il and the top 2l ofthe recess I8 or container pocket E.

In assembling the container the ends I5 of the spring are first inserted in the recesses I6, where ifs B are fitted on to the spring D, until a short portion of the spring projects. As shown in Fig. 1, about 8 to 9 of said elements may be inserted. 'Ihen the spring is extended suiciently and a plate 2l inserted between its coils as indicated in Fig. 5, the extension 22 being suflicient to receive one or more elements B or an end element C.

Where elements B are added, another insert will be made under the projecting end of 'the extension 22 beyond the last element and then the plate 2l may be removed. Then this-projecting end will ,again be extended to receive another element B or the end element C. Before the end element C is iinally placed upon the spring extension 22 as indicated in Fig. 5, the recess or pocket I6 may be lled with an adhesive, such as glue. Then the end of the spring is permitted to become encased in the adhesive in I6 before the holder plate 2| is removed.

In operation, the adjacent `elements may be readily pivotally opened. as indicated at I1 in Fig. 2, or I8 in Fig. 4, to permit an article to be placed in the recess III, or an article to be discharged as best shown in-Fig. 4. f

By providing the tapered ends as indicated at I3-I4 Fig. 5, by providing a narrow side contact area I2 and a substantially wider end contact area `as indicated at I3, and by positioning of the spring centrally in the triangular area I3, assurance is had of automatic alignment of the elements B, during usage of the case A.

In Fig. 6 is`shown the application of the structure of Figs. 1 to 5 to a pencil ca se or school companion, in which the end element 23 constitutes a ruler. 'I'he other elements 24 and 25 may be of various sizes and have pockets, as shown in Figs. 1 to 5, of various depths, to receive pencils, pens, erasers, crayons and so forth. The spring element 26 may be assembled with the various elements 23, 24, and 25 as already described in connection with Figs. 1 to 5.

In Figs. 'l and 7a are illustrated two alternative constructions. In Fig. '7, the abutting surfaces 21 of the container elements 51 may be shouldered. In Fig. 7a the abutting surfaces 58 of the container elements 59 may be rounded. In Fig. 8 is illustrated a convenient form for molded container elements 28 in which the entire depth of the pocket 29 is formed in one element.

In Fig. 9 is illustrated a cigarette case or pencil container, composed of two symmetrical elements 30, abutting at 3|, having enlarged abutments or spaced ears at 33 in whichvthe spring 32 may be placed. If desired,l a plurality of springs 32 may be employed and the enlargement 33 may extend the entire length of the case or take the form of plurality of ears along the length of the case.

In Fig. 10 is shown a cover 34 for the container 35, the back of the cover at 36 and of the container at 31 being made wider so as to receive the spring or springs 38. The spring 38 holds the cover 34, in closed position as indicated in Fig. 10. If desired, two springs 36 may be employed at each side of the container of Fig-'10 or a plurality of springs may be spaced along abutting surfaces 60 at suitable' intervals.

It is thus apparent that the construction disclosed in the present application is capable of broad application and utilization to various types of containers and that it gives an immediate alignment of the various constituent elements B and C. VThe construction can also be applied to hold cosmetics or dress articles, studs, collar buttons and so forth, the size and shapes of the lo to catch and become taut, thus preventing satisfactory separation of many of the adjacent elements. In addition, where beads are strung on said elasticV as closures for the recesses of the longitudinal elements, these elements do not sat- 15 isfactorily align themselves and this misalignment is particularly aggravated where the edges of the longitudinal elements do not abut along their sides.

In one embodiment of a cigarette case similar 20 to that shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the following dimensions were found to be suitable. The length of the cigarette case, or the dimension L, as indicated in Fig. l, was about 4%", the dimension M of each element B was about %".and the' 25 dimension Nof the `end element C was about 1%. The width of the elements or dimension P, as

indicated in Fig. 2, was -about 11g" or about 1A!" and the .width of the pocket lll as indicated at Q, in Fig. 2, was about 1155";

30 It is noted in Figs. l and 2, that the pockets E are squared, so that there will be substantial space for the cigarette as indicated in Figr2, the

i l depth and width of the pockets being appronmately equal.

In the embodiment above referred to, it was found satisfactory to make the height of the case as indicated by the dimension R, in Fig. l, about 31/2" as compared to the height of pocket oi?`l terrnedate element h, so that the extension op- 50 eration of Fig. 5 will only be necessary in4 order to extend the spring sumciently to be gripped in the end element C.

In the embodiment specifically above referred to, it has been found suitable to use tightly coiled 55 piano wiresize .013, having tensile strength of 420,000 to 425,000. The coil with the deformed ends, as indicated in Fig. ll, initiallymay have a length of about 3%", which length is increased to about 4%" aiterattachznent to the case, in the.

manner indicated in Fig. l'. l

As a general rule, it has been found-most satisfactory to control the'spring length before and after extension, so that the ratio of its length before extension to its length after extension will vary between 0.8 and 0.9.

In selecting woods for 'making the cigarette case, as 'shown in Figs. l to 5, it has been found most satisfactory to position the grain of the wood/so that it will be parallel to the axis of the m individual elements B,and so that the pocketslil will extend along the axis and along the grain of the wood. By having the grain extend along the axis it is found that a better seal is' formed along the edges i2, and also along the triangular` t5 area 13.

Among` the woods which may be satisfactorily employed, are mahogany, white wood, black walnut, gumwood, basswood, birch, and so forth.

- The blocks B and C after recessing are assembled as shown in Fig. l before finishing with the alternative blocks being of contrasting light and dark woods. Then after assembly, they are finished.

In forming the extension 22, as indicated in Fig. 5, for insertion in the end piece C, in the specific embodiment above referred to, it has been found most satisfactory to cause said extension 22 to have a length of 1%.. In glueing the ends of the spring D to the end piece C, it has been found most satisfactory to utilize a fine wire to transfer glue into the holes I6 of the end pieces. holes i6 have been partly .or wholly filled with a high grade of glue, the end of the wir'e coil D is also dipped in the glue and then the wireso dipped in glue, is inserted into the holes I6. Preferably the wire is moved up and ldown in the hole I0 to assure that the glue will thoroughly pene'- trate the pores of the wood on the sides and bottom of the hole i6, since in this manner, a. most' satisfactory connection is obtained. If desired before the final insertion, the ends of the wire coil D, may be withdrawn and the excessive glue removed from them.

The invention, however, is vnot intended to be restricted to any particular construction or arrangement of parts, or to any particular application of any such construction, orto any speciilc When the method of operation, or manner of use, or to any of various details thereof, herein shown and described, as the same may be .modified in various particulars or be applied in many variedrelations without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, the practical embodiments herein illustrated and described merely showing some ofthe various features entering into the application of the invention. What is claimed is:

l. A container comprising a combination of plurality recessed container elements arranged vside by side, said recesses being covered by the acent elements and a coil" spring extending through and joining said elements, said elements having abutting surfaces completely enclosing said recesses, said abutting surfaces being narrow i and elongated at the sides of the elements and being widened and of triangular shape at the ends of said elements, said spring extending centrally `through said triangular areas.

2. A container comprising a plurality of container elements, said container elements abutting each other at their entire peripheries and their central portions being recessed to form pockets enclosed-and sealed by said abutting peripheries, the ends of the elements being bevelled and bored, and an elastic contractile connecting element passing through the bored and bevelled portions and permanently fixed to the container elements and pressing their abutting peripherles'closely tog elements, said elements having abutting surfaces completely enclosing said recesses, said abutting the sides of the elements and being widened at the ends of said elements beyond said recesses, said springs extending through said widened areas, said abutting surfaces lying in a plane perpendicular to the axes of said springs and said container .elements being bored to receive said spring, said bores increasing in diameter toward the abutting surfaces.

4. A container comprising a plurality of recessed container elements arranged side by side, said recesses'being covered by the adjacentelements and a tensioned contractile element extending through, and joining said elements, said elements having abutting surfaces completely" surrounding said recesses, said abutting surfaces being narrow and elongated at the sides of the elements and being widened and enlarged at the ends of said elements. said contractile element extending through said widened and enlarged areas substantially away from the edges of said widened and enlarged areas.

surfaces being narrow and elongated at both of 5. A container for cigarettes. pencils, pens and similarly shaped elongated objects, comprising a plurality of elongated elements arranged side by side. said elements being at least three in number. recesses in opposite sides of one of said elements. to receive articles, which recesses are entirely covered by the adjoining elements and tensioned contractile elements extending through, and joining said elements, beyond the ends of said recesses but inside the ends of said elements, said elements having abutting surfaces completely surrounding said recesses, said abutting surfaces being narrow at the sides and wide and enlarged at the ends of the elements, said contractile elements being under substantial tension and extending through said widened and enlarged ends of the elements substantially spaced from the edges thereof and being permanently fastened to the end elements. l

. EDWIN A. LEMI'RE 

